A Gift for Mrs. B: Sequel to Sara Found It First

By Brenda Bittle Bucher

A Gift for Mrs. B is the sequel to the author’s riveting first novel, Sara Found It First. The tangled web of multiple unexplainable time travel continues to occur. Will the characters find romance? What or who causes the time travel?

Mrs. B, a retired nurse, is eighty-eight years old in 2018 and about to find herself living in a nursing home. Lilli, the child she once cared for, gives her a mysterious gift for her birthday. Not only does Mrs. B travel in time and place, but also she’s no longer eighty-eight.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 29, 2019
• ISBN: 9781796073119

Brenda Bittle Bucher

Brenda Bittle Bucher served in the United States Air Force stateside during the Vietnam War as a medic. She has been a nurse or worked in the medical field for thirty-five years. She has three children and four grandchildren. She lives near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Brenda has also published a children’s book, The Story of the Corn Fairy

Book preview

Part I

Bristol, Rhode Island

2016

Lonnie and Lilli

Chapter 1

Lilli was holding Lonnie’s hand tightly as they walked up the beach to where Joan was lounging on her beach towel. Lonnie was gawking at Joan, who had even fewer clothes on than Lilli. Joan’s eyes were full of questions. Lilli nonchalantly placed her fingertips on Lonnie’s chin to close his mouth, grinning while tilting her head. Getting the clear message, Lonnie quietly walked several feet away to watch the waves breaking on the beach.

Hi, Joan. Sorry to keep you waiting. Lonnie and I were sorting out a few things.

What kind of things? How do you two know each other? When and where did you meet him? And why didn’t you tell me before about Lonnie? Joan glanced at Lonnie as he stared at the ocean just a few feet away.

Wow! Aren’t you the curious one!

Sorry. I didn’t mean to be nosy, said Joan. I thought we told each other everything!

Joan, that is so high school! We all have secrets, she said as she tossed Joan her beach cover-up. Put that on please. We need to get going. She gathered her towel, flipping it in the breeze to shake off the sand.

Lonnie turned to walk back to them just in time to receive the benefits of the blowing sand. Ouch! My eyes!

Oh my gosh! cried Lilli. I’m so sorry! Are you OK?

Blinking his watery eyes, Lonnie replied grumpily, I’ll live.

Joan and Lilli couldn’t resist sharing a giggle at Lonnie’s expense. Come on, you two. We’ll drop you off at your house, Joan, said Lilli.

Gee, thanks. You’re not going to answer my questions, are you, Lilli? What’s the big secret?

Um … no secret, Joan. Maybe I’ll tell you later.

Chapter 2

The three of them walked to Lilli’s car as she pressed the button on her key fob to open the trunk. Beep, beep. At the same time, Lilli and Joan were chanting, Ouch, ouch, ouch! as they reached the parking lot.

Lonnie reached for his six-gun. Realizing for the first time that it wasn’t on his hip, he commanded, crouching down and dragging the women back to the sand, Stay down!

Lonnie! What are you doing? Lilli huffed.

I heard something! Be quiet! Are you hurt?

No. What? What did you hear? whispered Joan, looking curiously around them.

Examining her keys, Lilli began to giggle.

Lonnie and Joan glanced at Lilli. What’s so funny? asked Joan.

Lilli winked at Joan. Was it this? Lilli asked Lonnie as she pressed the button on her key fob again. They heard the two quick beeps.

Showing the key fob to Lonnie, she said, This unlocks my car doors. She stood. Nothing to worry about. She slipped her sandals on.

Well, why were you both yelling ouch? asked Lonnie.

The macadam gets hot from the sun. It was burning our feet. She pointed to the parking lot.

Lilli and Joan tossed their beach bags and towels into the trunk of Lilli’s Toyota. Whispering to Lilli, Joan said, He’s a bit odd, don’t you think? She watched Lonnie stoop down to touch the hot macadam and then shake his hand. What a dunce!

Really? I didn’t notice. Turning to Lonnie, Lilli opened the passenger door. Jump in! My turn to take you for a ride! She remembered the night Lonnie had lifted her into his horse’s saddle.

Lonnie complied but had difficulty getting his long legs situated in the cramped space. Lilli reached to the side of the seat and eased it back to give him more room. There, that’s better, Lonnie, she said while patting him on the shoulder.

Joan jumped in the backseat, watching Lonnie intently. Lilli slid behind the steering wheel and reached across Lonnie to fasten his seatbelt. Meeting his questioning eyes, she said, It’s for safety, and it’s the law. You wouldn’t want to break the law, would you? She gave him her best smile.

Lonnie didn’t reply but gripped the dash with white knuckles as Lilli drove out of the parking lot.

Lilli soon stopped in front of Joan’s house and popped the trunk. Lonnie was still holding on to the dash, mumbling to himself—or was he praying?

As she retrieved her beach bag from the trunk, Joan asked, Lilli, are you sure about this? Are you really taking him home with you to meet your parents? Are you safe with him?

While closing the trunk, she said, Oh, I’m safe, Joan. Believe me! Lonnie already saved my life once!

Saved your life? What are you talking about?

Long story, Joan. Gotta go! Call you later!

Joan watched as Lilli drove her car away, turning to the right in the direction of home. Hmm. Guess who’s coming to dinner!

Chapter 3

Pulling her car into her parents’ driveway, Lilli turned to face Lonnie. You can let go of my dash now, Lonnie. Hey, you OK? I’m not that bad of a driver, am I? She patted his arm.

Fast … so fast! he replied.

I guess so, compared to your horse. I can go faster. I’ll show you sometime. I didn’t want to get a speeding ticket! She laughed.

Lilli watched as Lonnie tried to figure out how to open his door; finally, she opened it for him. Where has chivalry gone? You should be opening the door for me.

You’re really enjoying yourself, aren’t you? Do you never shut up?

Oh sure. I won’t say another word, She walked to the house.

With a bit of panic in his voice, Lonnie said, Wait! I … I need you to help me understand all this. I’m sorry I barked at you. He followed behind.

Looking at Lonnie with soft eyes, she said, I’m sorry too. I remember experiencing the same feelings recently in Colorado when I met you. We’ll explain as much as we can. Come in and meet my parents. She opened the front door.

Your parents? Their eyes met.

My ‘now’ parents, Ginger and Travis.

Chapter 4

Lonnie removed his hat as they entered the house.

Mom … Dad! I’m home, Lilli called. I’ve brought someone with me I’d like you to meet.

Ginger removed her apron and hurried from the kitchen with a smile on her face, but she didn’t expect to see a cowboy in her house. Travis wasn’t far behind.

Mom and Dad … I’d like you to meet Lonnie Logan.

Travis and Ginger exchanged astonished glances.

As in Sheriff Lonnie Logan? asked Travis. Ginger drew a deep breath.

The one and only! Joan and I found him on the beach.

Lilli, you make it sound as if he’s a seashell or a piece of driftwood! admonished Ginger.

Well, he did sort of drift, Mom! Lilli joked.

Travis reached to shake Lonnie’s hand. Welcome to Rhode Island. Did you have a nice trip?

Travis! Ginger said, nervously raising her voice slightly. Honestly, that’s a horrible thing to say! The poor man is already having a difficult day!

Travis wiped the slight smile from his face. Lilli, I hope you were easy on the gas pedal.

Kept it under fifty, Dad! noting Lonnie’s raised eyebrows.

Why don’t we have a seat in the living room and be comfortable? I’m sure you have a lot of questions, Lonnie, said Ginger. I’ll just get us some iced tea. She headed for the kitchen.

Lilli and Lonnie sat on the couch, being careful not to sit too close.

So how was the weather in Colorado when you left? asked Travis, trying to make small talk as he sat in his favorite chair. Talking about the weather is always a safe topic.

Hot, sir. We haven’t had any rain in weeks.

How long have you been the sheriff in Jacksonville?

Two years or thereabouts.

Ever shoot anybody?

Lonnie sat straighter in his chair, nervously twirling his hat.

Ginger entered the living room carrying a pitcher of iced tea and some tall glasses on a tray. Lonnie quickly stood and took the tray from Ginger as she nodded to place it on the coffee table.

Thank you, Lonnie. It’s nice to know chivalry isn’t dead.

Maybe there’s hope yet, Mom, said Lilli.

Travis didn’t comment, but he knew he was in trouble. However, that didn’t stop him from asking the next question, Anything the two of you think your mom and I ought to know about Jacksonville? He looked at Lilli.

Dad! How could you ask such a thing? I already told you the whole story, and besides, there are some things you don’t need to know!

I assure you, Mr. Harding, nothing happened. I would never dishonor Lilli or any other woman!

Travis! Stop these offensive questions immediately! What is the matter with you? Enough! We need to concentrate on helping Lonnie the way you helped me! Now, everyone, please calm down! Ginger said while giving them all her no-nonsense frown.

Travis sighed. "You’re right, Ginger. I apologize to all of you. I was just having a little